Chapter 288: Discovered by Mom
Crossing the bustling commercial street, they once again arrived in a residential area.
Deprived of the neon lights' various colors, the night sky's stars and moon radiated their unique glow. The silvery moonlight sprinkled on the trees lining the street, as if adorning them with a delicate veil.
Having escorted Yumiko home before, Hachiman knew her house's location. It was a well-kept two-story detached home.
Standing in front of the girl's house, Hachiman slowly released her delicate hand.
"We're here," he said.
"Hmph, I won't thank you for walking me home," Yumiko huffed, wrinkling her nose.
"Besides, it's your fault. Why cook so deliciously? I ended up eating too much tonight. Do you know overeating at night leads to gaining weight?"
Hearing this, Hachiman had a few metaphorical lines forming on his forehead. How could cooking well be a fault?
"I'm helping you with weight loss," he retorted.
"Hmph, I won't go running," Yumiko rejected the idea.
"Don't worry; I didn't mean running," Hachiman smirked.
"Huh? Not running? Then what's the method?"
Assured that she took the bait, Hachiman leaned in and planted a kiss on her tempting red lips.
"Uh..." Surprised by the sudden attack, Yumiko's hands instinctively pressed against his chest, trying to push him away.
They were still at her doorstep. If her parents saw them, what would she do?
Unfortunately, the girl's efforts were futile against Hachiman. As time passed, her resistance weakened, and her hands involuntarily stayed around Hachiman's neck.
After what felt like an eternity, when Hachiman's lips finally left Yumiko's tender ones, she regained the opportunity to catch her breath.
With her hands still around Hachiman's neck, her emerald-green eyes were like a pool of springwater, and her face carried a captivating blush. Gasping for air, she said, "You jerk, what was that all of a sudden?"
"Of course, I was helping you lose weight," Hachiman said matter-of-factly.
The girl naturally didn't believe him and gave him a skeptical look.
But Hachiman earnestly explained, "Kissing does help with weight loss. Studies show that a kiss activates over a hundred muscles throughout the body. Just for the face, nearly thirty muscles are engaged, which exercises facial muscles, preventing wrinkles and making the skin smoother. It also has some beauty benefits."
"Such a ridiculous way to lose weight," Yumiko said, wide-eyed.
Yes, reality could be absurd, leaving those single folks in tears.
Hachiman shrugged and continued, "It not only aids weight loss but also promotes emotional relaxation, relieves tension, and the release of hormones like adrenaline makes people feel happier, effectively reducing stress."
"In addition, during a kiss, both parties exchange microorganisms, triggering an immune response in the body, boosting immunity."
Just as the girl was still in astonishment, Hachiman lowered his head again, attempting another kiss.
This time, Yumiko dodged, wearing an expression of embarrassment and anger.
"What are you doing? Wasn't once enough?" she exclaimed.
"Not enough," Hachiman explained seriously.
"Although kissing can aid in weight loss, each kiss only burns about twelve calories. So, for effective weight loss, you need to kiss at least three times a day, each lasting a minute."
Hearing this, Yumiko quickly took a step back, distancing herself from Hachiman.
"Jerk, I won't let you succeed," she said, then ran into the house.
Seeing the girl vanish, Hachiman shrugged, turned, and headed toward his own home.
However, shortly after he turned, the door was opened again, and Yumiko reappeared.
Watching Hachiman's receding figure, the girl extended a hand, touching her lips as if recalling the sensation of the kiss.
For some reason, her face turned red, and she hurried back into the house.
With a "bang" sound as the door closed, the residential street fell into silence again.
Unbeknownst to the girl, a figure flashed past the second-floor window.
At 8 PM, after taking a shower, Yumiko, drying her hair, spoke to her mother.
"Mom, you can take a bath now."
"Sure," replied a middle-aged woman with golden hair, sitting on the sofa, smiling.
"By the way, Yumiko, there's something Mom wants to ask you."
"What is it?" Yumiko asked, puzzled, as she continued to dry her hair.
"Who did you have dinner with tonight?"
Even though she was in her thirties, Mrs. Miura had a playful tone in her voice.
Surprised that her own mother asked this question, Yumiko's heart skipped a beat. However, she maintained a calm expression on her face.
"Of course, I had dinner with a friend."
"Is it a boyfriend?" Mrs. Miura's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Hearing this, Yumiko felt uneasy, and her words became stuttered.
"N-no, of course not, just a regular friend."
"Really?"
Mrs. Miura had a teasing smile on her face.
"Then why were you kissing someone right at your doorstep, Yumiko?"
Mrs. Miura's words hit Yumiko like a bolt from the blue, leaving her standing frozen in place.
Seen, seen, seen...
That was the only thought in Yumiko's mind, her face flushing with embarrassment.
"Well... um..."
Seeing her like this, Mrs. Miura couldn't help but chuckle.
"Don't worry, dear. We're not that old-fashioned. It's not like we forbid you from having a boyfriend. But do bring him home for us to see, okay?"
Hearing Mrs. Miura's words, Yumiko felt a bit exasperated.
As a daughter, she knew her mother well. Despite the seemingly gentle appearance, Mrs. Miura had a sly side. Once she set her mind on something, she wouldn't give up, a trait even Mr. Miura couldn't resist.
That rogue Hachiman. If he hadn't kissed me at the doorstep, none of this would have happened.
Blaming Hachiman for kissing her at the doorstep, Yumiko reluctantly agreed to her mother's request.
"Fine, I got it. I'll make sure to bring him home for you to meet."
"Alright then, that's settled. I'll go take a shower now."
Mrs. Miura, satisfied with the outcome, stood up, waved at Yumiko, and headed into the bathroom.